Best-Ever Mexican Tostadas

Mexican tostadas are a delicious, crunchy, and satisfying dish made with crisp corn tortillas topped with savory layers like refried beans, seasoned meat, fresh lettuce, salsa, and creamy toppings. This easy-to-make classic is packed with flavor and texture, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, flavorful, and satisfying with every bite
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• Quick to prepare—great for busy weeknights
• Fun to serve at parties or family dinners
• A great way to use up leftovers creatively

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Corn tortillas
• Refried beans
• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Diced tomato
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Shredded lettuce
• Queso fresco or shredded cheese
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Salsa verde or your favorite salsa
• Canola oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Fry the Tortillas: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each tortilla until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a separate pan, cook the ground beef with onion and tomato. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Warm the Beans: In a small pot over low heat, stir and warm the refried beans until heated through.
4. Assemble the Tostadas: Spread a layer of beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with ground beef.
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded lettuce, cheese, drizzle crema, and spoon over salsa.
6. Serve: Serve immediately while tortillas are still crisp.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 tostadas
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use shredded chicken, carnitas, or grilled shrimp instead of ground beef
• Swap refried beans for black beans or pinto beans
• Make it vegetarian with sautéed vegetables and extra beans
• Add avocado slices, pickled onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor
• Use baked tortillas instead of fried for a lighter option

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store toppings and tostadas separately in airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat meat and beans in a pan or microwave. Re-crisp tortillas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

What are tostadas made of?

Tostadas are made with flat, crispy corn tortillas topped with ingredients like beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

Can I use store-bought tostada shells?

Yes, store-bought tostada shells are convenient and work perfectly for this recipe.

Are tostadas the same as tacos?

No, tostadas are flat and crispy, while tacos are soft or crunchy and folded. Both use similar toppings.

How do I keep tostadas from getting soggy?

Assemble them just before serving and avoid overly wet toppings to keep them crisp.

Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying?

Yes. Lightly brush tortillas with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the meat and add extra beans, grilled vegetables, or tofu.

What is the best meat for tostadas?

Ground beef, shredded chicken, or pork carnitas all work great depending on your preference.

What kind of beans should I use?

Refried beans are classic, but you can also use mashed black beans or whole pinto beans.

How do I make them spicy?

Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa to give your tostadas a kick.

Can I prepare tostadas in advance?

You can prep all ingredients ahead of time, but assemble the tostadas just before eating for best results.

Conclusion

Best-Ever Mexican Tostadas are a flavorful, crunchy, and fun way to enjoy traditional Mexican ingredients in one bite. With endless topping options and a quick prep time, they’re perfect for busy nights or festive gatherings. Try this easy recipe and bring a little fiesta to your table.

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